Australian legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her first Australian Open singles title this summer.
Melbourne, Australia, 16 November 2023 | Tennis Australia
Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley will be honoured at Australian Open 2024 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her first AO singles title in 1974.
“Evonne Goolagong Cawley is a true legend of our game and an Australian icon. She is a household name renowned not only for her tennis prowess, but for her grace, humility, and inspiring work with Indigenous young people through her foundation for many years,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“Evonne has inspired countless others, particularly young Indigenous people, to pursue their dreams and continue their education, whether through tennis, sport or other endeavours. We feel very proud to honour and celebrate Evonne at Australian Open 2024.”
On the celebrations, Goolagong Cawley said: “It’s very exciting to be honoured at Australian Open 2024. I can’t quite believe it’s been 50 years since I first won the women’s title there. I have so many great memories playing at the Australian Open, where I could always rely on having the support of the home crowd. It will be wonderful to re-live these memories with family, friends and fans.”
As part of the celebrations, Tennis Australia has collaborated with Lyn-Al Young, a renowned Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta artist and designer to create a commemorative merchandise range honouring Goolagong Cawley, a proud Wiradjuri woman.
The range will be available from the AO Superstore on-site and online, and features striking designs that tell the story of Evonne’s life and career.
“To me, Evonne embodies sunshine. She radiates joy, goodness and hope and when people see the commemorative range, I hope they feel the warmth and positivity that Evonne radiates. Beyond celebrating her achievements, I wanted the range to honour who she is, what she stands for, her spirit and her family,” says Lyn-Al Young.
“Spending time with Evonne was a very special experience and one I feel blessed to have had. The connection we had was beyond what you’d normally have in a professional context; it was a cultural, spiritual and family connection, and a really beautiful relationship has come out of it.”
Young’s stunning designs will also be featured in a large-scale mural on the…
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